Circa 1860-1880
Possibly made in Indiana
Linda and Dr. John Carlson Four Block Quilt Collection, 2004.016.0006

The coxcomb plant was a favorite of nineteenth-century gardeners, due to the fact that the distinctive plush flowers bloom for six to eight weeks. The pattern is also popular in appliqué quilts of the same time period, demonstrating the close ties between gardening and quilting designs.

The elaborate quilting, executed in stitches that are 10-12 to the inch, include double lines, a four petal fertility design, pronged leaves, hearts and swastikas, which at that time were considered folk art fertility motifs.